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THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER VOLUME 5, NUMBER 11, MARCH 20, 2005 GOOD JOB! In Mark 12 we read of an exchange that took place between Jesus and one of the scribes. It is found in verses 28-34. “And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, What commandment is the foremost of all? Jesus answered, The foremost is, Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said to Him, Right, Teacher, You have truly stated that He is one; and there is no One else besides Him; and to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God . And after that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions.” In our Sunday morning study of a Harmony of the Gospels and the Life of Christ, we have studied this passage along with the parallel passages. However, I would like to notice the Lord’s comment to this scribe at the conclusion of their discussion. Jesus said, based upon the man’s comments, and I believe based upon the fact that Jesus knew what was in man, “You are not far from the kingdom of God .” Even in the midst of a day filled with rancorous questioning and dangerous circumstances, less than a week away from His death, we still see the love of Jesus and His mercy. Because He recognized that this man had answered intelligently, Jesus paused to essentially tell this man, “You did a good job. That was a good answer that showed real spiritual discernment.” I would imagine that that scribe departed from Jesus with a lilt to his step and a good feeling inside. I think of the parable of the talents that we find in Matthew 25. Let’s look at the reaction of the master upon his return from his journey toward the two slaves to whom he had entrusted 5 talents and 2 talents. Verse 19-23 tell us, “Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. And the one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, Master, you entrusted five talents to me; see, I have gained five more talents. His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master. The one also who had received the two talents came up and said, Master, you entrusted to me two talents; see, I have gained two more talents. His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” It was long ago that I learned the wonderful power of the simple words, “Well done” or “Good job!” When someone has performed well, put forth a good and honest effort, did the best that he or she could do – a simple “Thank you” or “Good job” or “Well done” can absolutely make their day. It requires so little effort on our part to express appreciation for a job well done. If we are just too wrapped up in ourselves to express appreciation for a job well done by someone else, than we are too wrapped up in ourselves. If we just don’t think about it, it is probably because expressing appreciation is not very high on our list of priorities. I think of Paul thanking and praising the Philippians for the good job they had done in helping him materially as he preached the gospel in other places. In Philippians 4:14-18 we find, “Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” Maybe you are not in the habit of expressing appreciation to people for the work that they do. Maybe you think, “That’s what they are supposed to do.” Well, maybe. But even when a person does what he or she is supposed to do, and does it well, a simple “good job” or “well done” makes them step a little higher for that particular day, lifts their spirits, and brings a smile to their face. I have seen the almost magical results of such simple expressions of appreciation when I was raising my children, coaching all different kinds of sports at all different levels, and I have seen it in the eyes of brethren. Isn’t that a habit worth developing? You know something? Everybody here is a volunteer. Greg Litmer LOOK AROUND Look for a stranger. Make him feel welcome. Let him know that you’re available to answer his questions or direct him to someone who can. He may not remain a stranger for long. Look for a deacon. Tell him you appreciate the work that he is doing. Ask if there is anything you can help with. Look for who’s missing. Give them a call. Send them a card. Tell them you missed them and you hope nothing is wrong. Let them know you need them here and that they need the Lord. Let them know you care. Look for someone young. Let them know you are glad to see them. Tell them you appreciate how well they’re doing in a society that doesn’t encourage their spirituality. Have time for them. Give them an ear. You’ll help them if you do. Look around. There is plenty to do. Plenty for everyone. Plenty for you!
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